Madhya Pradesh As A State
Madhya Pradesh, as per its name, is situated right in the centre of India, madhya means centre and pradesh means state. This largest state of India is bordered by Maharashtra in the south, Chattisgarh in the east, Uttar Pradesh in the northeast, Gujarat in the west and Rajasthan in the northwest. Occupying an area of 308,144 sq km, the state has Bhopal as its capital and Indore as its largest city.

For tourists, Madhya Pradesh has many surprises. The state has everything that delights tourists, natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern development. Infact, it is this beautiful amalgamation that attracts tourists from far and wide to the state of Madhya Pradesh.


Significance of Buddhism in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh traces its history since the times of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka, the one who renounced violence and took upon himself to spread the principles and philosophies of Buddhism. Emperor Asoka started his career from Ujjain as a viceroy of the western province of the Mauryan Empire. At that point of time Ujjain was known as Ujjaini. Asoka, after he adopted Buddhism, constructed many stupas throughout his kingdom. Because of the keen interest shown by Asoka himself, Buddhism flourished in the state, however, after his death, his empire disintegrated and Buddhism too, took a plunge downwards.

Today, the majority of population of the state are Hindus and Buddhist form a minority. Still, the legacy of past stand to remind people of the glorious age when Buddhism was at its peak.


Major Buddhist Monuments in Madhya Pradesh

• The Buddhist Monuments of Sanchi : Sanchi is significant for Buddhist around the world despite the fact that Lord Buddha himself never paid a visit to it. Sanchi's significance lies in it being home to all kind of Buddhist architecture - stupas, chaityas, temples and monasteries. All the monuments date back from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. The important amongst these are the Four Gateways, the Great Stupa 1, Stupa 2 and 3, the Ashokan Pillar, and Temple 18. Apart from these, there are Buddhist Viharas and also a Museum. A noteworthy thing here is that Buddha is not represented in figures but in symbols, indicating a tradition followed in the early Buddhism, Hinayana. In this Buddha is regarded a human and not a god.
  
  
• Barhut Stupa : Located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, Barhut is a famous Buddhist destination. The reason for this is the presence of a stupa constructed by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC. Renovation work was carried out by later Sunga ruler in the 2nd century BC. The stupa too depicts Buddha in form of symbols - Bodhi tree, footprints, empty seat and wheel of dharma.
  
  

Other Attractions of Madhya Pradesh

• Bhopal : The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal stands around two artificial lakes because of which, it is also known as the city of lakes. Though Bhopal does not offer a lot in terms of monuments, yet there is a unique charm that surrounds the city. Moreover, the city also represents a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic culture. Attractions for tourists include the Old City and its mosques, Bharat Bhavan complex and Van Vihar National Park. Apart from this, the two lakes are also a great place to have fun. Tourists can relax in the parks and gardens that are located here or indulge in water sports like pedal boating, kayaking, canoeing, parasailing and windsurfing.
  
  
• Khajuraho : Khajuraho needs little introduction. The temples at Khajuraho, constructed by the Chandela rulers between the period of 950 -1050 AD, have been included in the list of World Heritage Sites because of their erotic sculptures. The temples of Khajuraho are segregated into three groups - west, east and south. The most important of these is the western group of temples with the famous Lakshman temple. Though Khajuraho attracts tourists round the year, it is in the month of March that the visits become most interesting. This is because of the Khajuraho Dance Festival, that for next 10 days has dancers from all over India pouring in to pay tribute to the gods and goddess of the temples. A visit to Khajuraho is a must during a trip to madhya Pradesh.
  
  
  
• Gwalior : Gwalior, it is believed, derives its name from an immensely renowned sage Gwalipa who cured a Kachwaha chief ailing from leprosy. The city has been under the rule of many prominent dynasties like the Huns, the Kachwahas, the Prathiharas, the Slave, the Tomaras, the Lodhis, the Marathas and the Mughals. The Scindias were the last ruling family of the place and are still active in the Indian politics. For tourists, Gwalior's main attraction is unquestionably the Gwalior Fort which was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar. Places of attractions around Gwalior include Orchha, Shivpuri and Chanderi.
  
  
• Kanha National Park : Situated in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the premier wildlife destinations in the country. The beauty and wildlife of Kanha has not only attracted tourists from around the world but has also inspired Rudyard Kipling, a writer of high calibre, to make it a base for his famous work of fiction, Jungle Book. Kanha is, today, also considered one of the best place to sight tigers in the country along with Bandhavgarh National Park. Wild attractions of the park, apart from tiger, include Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha, Nilgai, Indian Bison and wild Pig. Around 175 varieties of birds are also spotted in the park.
  
  
• Bandhavgarh National Park: Occupying an area of 448 sq km, Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The denizens of the park include Tiger, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Fox, Jackal and around 150 species of bird. The best way to enjoy a trip in the park is by undertaking either a jeep safari or an elephant safari. As for the best time to visit, the months between November to June are just perfect.

Climate
Madhya Pradesh experiences a monsoonal climate. Summers in Madhya Pradesh extends from March to may while winters prevail during the months of November to February. The months from June to September are times for rain in the state. The best time to visit the state is in between the months of October to March.